Now Commenting On:

Lyons to get another start as Cards stick with staff

Email

Print

Lyons' stellar outing 1:28

5/6/14: Tyler Lyons strikes out seven over six innings of work, only allowing one earned run on three hits for the Cardinals

By Jenifer Langosch
/
MLB.com |

ATLANTA -- The Cardinals plan to roll their rotation over in order following Thursday's off-day, manager Mike Matheny confirmed on Wednesday. That means that Tyler Lyons, whose spot was skipped last Friday, remains in line to start against the Cubs on Monday.

In keeping the rotation order as is, the Cardinals will give each of their starters an extra day of rest.

Lyons has earned the chance to remain the team's fifth starter, even though the Cardinals are winless in his three spot starts. The lefty has allowed seven earned runs over those 18 innings. Trouble is, he has been supported by only two from his own offense.

Yet results aside, the early returns show a pitcher improved from when he was called upon to fill a rotation vacancy last season. Lyons credits that growth mostly to strides he has made on the mental side.

"I wouldn't say physically I'm this or that better," Lyons said. "I think it's just controlling the game a little bit better from the mindset standpoint and trying to slow it down. I thought that was something I learned at the end of last year, even when I was pitching in relief here and there. It's something I'm trying to take over into this year."

Specifically, Lyons has made it a point to take his time. Comfortable working quickly from pitch to pitch, Lyons has a tendency to speed up even more when the situation gets more precarious. Pitching coach Derek Lilliquist pointed that out to the lefty recently, encouraging Lyons to do more stepping off the mound or changing the tempo or anything to slow down and focus.

Lyons said he was intentional with that on Tuesday night, when he got into trouble in his final two innings of work. He allowed only one run on three hits in six innings.